Featured Artist: Amy Crews

"Refuge" Psalm 16:1, by Amy Crews, copyright

"Mary Elizabeth's Pears" by Amy Crews, copyright

"Sepia Bloom" by Amy Crews, copyright

Amy Crews - Artist Statement

(adapted from an interview)

My passion for art? I can’t explain it. There is this need to create whenever possible. I think anyone who has a God given gift be it art, music, writing or some such, can relate. It is therapeutic and, when I am working on something, I find it so engrosses me that it can be hard to “snap out of it” when I stop. I always look forward to long periods of time when I can get to the studio and work.

My inspiration comes in several forms. My family inspires me by supporting me and bringing me so much joy. I have what I call my “inspiration board” in my studio where I put encouraging notes from friends and patrons. I am drawn to architecture, but God’s creation inspires me most of all. Really, it’s mind boggling how awesome nature is. How the birds just know how to build a nest and how each nest is uniquely different. I know that God is not in the flowers I paint, but they are a great reflection of His majesty. That excites me! I am one of those people who see beauty in every little thing.

We asked Amy what her favorite bible verse was and she responded:

My favorite scripture? Hard to decide as it often changes due to circumstances. But today it would be one that is also a prayer for us as artists: “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

To view more of Amy Crews artwork please visit her website at: www.AmyCrewsGallery.com

Art News from Vicki Garner

"Autumn Explosion" by Vicki Garner, copyright

"Pastoral Refections" by Vicki Garner, copyright

Hey Everyone,

I thought I would share with you some of my recent work and goings on.

Here are two recent paintings I have completed. The Amish farm started off as a plein aire painting which I completed later in my studio. It is titled Pastoral Refections. The other was inspired by a tree in my back yard and some photos of autumn leaves that I saw. It is titled Autumn Explosion.

I have recently completed illustrations for another book which is scheduled for publication at the end of this year. As soon as I have more information, I will share that with you.

Enjoy, Vicki Garner
www.applepandowdy.com

Featured Artist: Wendy Allison

"And He Bade the Storm Be Still" Psalm 107:29, by Wendy Allison, copyright

"Genesis One- And God Said, And there was" acrylic on canvas, by Wendy Allison, copyright

"In the Shelter of His Arms" acrylic and metal on wood, by Wendy Allison, copyright

"the voice of the Lord cries to the City" Micah 6:8 acrylic, ink and metal on wood by Wendy Allison, copyright

“We were created in the image of the Creator, that we might create” Edith Schaeffer

As people look at my art, I am often asked, "Where does your inspiration come from?" As I've pondered that question, several thoughts have come to mind. I am in complete agreement with Edith Schaeffer's biblical theme that as we have a Creator God, who created us in His image, so all we created beings have a need to create. That being said, I was raised in a home surrounded by the work of my Grandfather, Barse Miller, a world-renowned watercolorist. I have come to realize that the influence of his work on mine, while subconscious is real, and a part of God's plan for me. I also have realized that what I am painting evolves from what I do with my days. I spend a good bit of time studying God's word and teaching it weekly to several groups of women in a variety of settings. Out of my study and worship, comes my work, hence the biblical allusion found in most of my titles. I don't go into my studio with an agenda…I go with deadlines I've chosen to place myself under and then begin to "mess" with my materials and "see" what happens. It is just recently that someone pointed out that my work is reflective of my current study of God's word. I think they might be right, for none of us live in a vacuum. Each part of our lives touches the other, and certainly, my art is reflective of the touch of my Creator in my life. I hope as you view it, you will see in it the hand of the One who created me, that I might create.

Fore more information about Wendy Allison please visit her website at:

http://wendyallisondesigns.com

We asked Wendy what her favorite bible verse was and she responded with:

The verse I have written over our kitchen doorway is Jonah 2:8 "those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs". We have it there to nudge our heats to daily consider the broken places we are tempted to run to for comfort and security, rather than into the arms of Jesus, resting in the security of His righteousness (the grace which is mine).

Help Wanted-Part Time At Artisan’s Cove/Reflectives

Help Wanted-Part Time
At
Artisan’s Cove/Reflectives

Are you responsible, organized, cheerful and customer oriented?
Do you have a love for ALL things artful?
Are you willing to work flexible hours?

Job includes the following responsibilities:

1. Inside sales: Help with customer service, taking framing orders.
Keeping the shop clean and orderly.
Getting inventory into computer and tagged.

2. Marketing: Design flyers, sending out email and updating website

3. Coffee shop: sales

4. Outside: Someone who is fairly knowledgeable about plants/herbs.
Loves the outdoors and willing to work on designing an edible landscape.
This person is responsible for implementing team decisions.
Other employees and volunteers will join this person to work on the garden.

If you think this job is made for YOU,
please contact
Marguerite
reflectives@comcast.net

Artisan's Cove

220 Old Highway 431

Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763

www.artisanscove.com

Founded on Christian principles

Artists' Market at Providence Town Square- Vicki Garner

From: vicki garner applepandowdy@hotmail.com

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know, especially those of you in the Huntsville area, that I will be participating in the Providence Artists' Market this Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. It will be located at the Providence Town Square (next to The Mellow Mushroom) in northwest Huntsville, Alabama. Natasha Nashadka and I will be sharing a booth. Come on out and see us!

Vicki

Vicki Garner

www.applepandowdy.com

"Glamour Brush" Enhanced Portraits by Betty Burchfield

Before Photo

After Oil Painting

Art News from Betty Burchfield:

After seeing the look of approval on this sweet lady's face, I realized that our paint brushes can do the same as Glamour Shots did......Enhance the individual.

I asked Dr. Phil if he wanted me to redo the painting I did of him and Robin and give him some black curly hair. He laughed and said he would love that. Therefore, I am going to start advertising my "Glamour Brush".

(to see Betty Burchfield's painted portrait of Dr. Phil and wife Robin see 2/2008 art blog post:

http://huntsvilleartblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/robin-mcgraw-gives-thumbs-up-to.html)

"GLAMOUR SHOTS" put make up on, restyled hair and retouched wrinkles for their subjects... SO... why can't our paint brushes do the same!

This beautiful young lady worked with me on some changes on her Oil Painting of herself from this photo .. We did the following:

* Removed dark shadows under the eyes

* Added eyelashes

* Changed highlights in the eyes

* Softened beauty mark

* Brightened teeth

* Changed lip color to match with dress.

* Brought hair down on side of face in order to thin the neck and face.

* Softened wrinkles in neck, chin line and smile lines.

* Removed the deep line under the neck line.

* Added shadow under the chin to enhance neck.

* Cropped photo to make subject appear slimmer.

* Added an exciting background.

The painting still looks like Latonya but enhances some of her features. She was overjoyed when she saw the painting.

I have found that most people (especially ladies) like to see a photo of themselves that flatter them selves so why not have an oil painting that does the same.

See how our magic paint brushes can make subtle enhancements! I work from photographs and special requests are my specialty.

God gives each of a talent and what we do with it is our gift to Him. Making people happy is my way of giving back to Him.

Artist, Betty Burchfield aka Little Reb

Please sign my guest book at:
http://www.littlereb.com
(porcelain dolls)

Please sign my guest book at:
http://treasuredreflections.net
(Oil Paintings

http://www.porcelaindollmakers.com/
(to view porcelain dollmakers)

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....:
Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Ascribing Artist Angela True chosen as Featured Artist for Cancer Awareness

From Ascribing Artist Michele Lee:

One of our local artists, Angela True, was featured in yesterday's issue of the Huntsville Times. The issue was entitle Think Pink and dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

Angela was chosen out of several artists who submitted entries. She is quoted on her blog about the painting as follows:

"Recently, I got an opportunity to visit with my sister. She is quite a remarkable woman and I wanted to paint a picture to celebrate her. This painting depicts Mind, Body and Soul. The little jack is about her childlike playfulness, that's the "Mind" part. The "Body" is represented by the pink ribbon, yes, she is a breast cancer survivor. And lastly the purple Irises, her favorite flower. This is her "Soul". Purple is a royal, regal color and she is royalty to me."

If you would like to see more of Angela's paintings, you can go to her blog entitled Pick My Brains Art http://pickmybrainsart.blogspot.com/

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

From local artist and art advocate, Carole Esk'ridge: (and founder of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists)

What is the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists?

An Academy inspired by the American Academy in Rome. It will not be focused on the academic status. It will be guided by talent and devotion of the Student to an art form(s) as a career. It will be a place to live and learn the Art forms the Student loves from dancing, to writing, to singing, to acting, to painting and beyond.

Who would qualify for entrance to the Academy?

The disabled who are physically, mentally and / or financially challenged, who are art career minded, who are hard workers, who passionately love creating, who have a body of work in an art form, who will listen to their teachers / mentors and work at learning and create a body of work while at a seminar or living at the Academy.

The Academy will be a place where?

Those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment. The whole person: mind, body, soul and personality will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each Artist.

Our GOAL:

Is not to compete with other education institutions in the academics but to embrace the disabled Artists with HOW TO KNOWLEDGE of their Art so that they can compete in the Arts. THE BEST TRAINING IS TO LEARN FROM THOSE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THEIR ART. This must be done with disabilities taken into consideration from Savant to Folk Artists and those in between. If an individual has a disability they would be welcomed warmly. In the spirit that Mother Teresa of Calcutta greeted her beloved ones she cared for with reverence of the Christ within them. Such loving is our quest!

A REQUEST TO ALL READERS:

If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.

Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net

A little bit about Carole Esk'ridge:

Ms. Eskridge is the visionary of the formation of the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists. She founded the Visionary Guild for Mentally Ill Artists in 1991. She received a US Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

Ms. Esk'ridge's artwork is in the Birmingham Museum of Art collection. She has exhibited three times in jury art shows at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Her work can be found in the archives of the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Ms. Esk'ridge is presently working on a large painting and a historic Pro-life novel.

Esk'ridge is the Mother of two adult daughters and will soon be the grandmother of two. She is 62 years old. She is a Catholic.

Carole Esk'ridge is donating 100% of the sale of her paintings to The Academy of International Enabled Artists. To view Carole's artwork please visit: www.caroleeskridge.com

For more info about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists or Carole Esk'ridges artwork please contact her at: (256) 429–8697 or caroleeskridge3@gmail.com

Read the Huntsville Times Article about The Academy of Internationally Enables Artists at: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1

Dara Murphy: Worship Painting

Update: This was a fun event. It was a delight to meet Dara. This is the picture that emerged from her worship painting, which was created while listening to worship music. One person in the audience mentioned they thought the finished artwork would be pretty a picture... but when you think about it... what Christ went through for us on the Cross... was not pretty... I think Dara captured the reality of such a sacrifice... in her bold colors and expression.

Dara Murphy is the Preteen Director at Hill Crest Baptist Church in Anniston, AL. If you would like for Dara to paint a worship painting for your group, please contact Dara at: (256) 238-9600 or dara@experiencehillcrest.com

We have asked Dara to be a featured artist on the Ascribing Artists blog. Look for details soon.

----------------------------------------

Come see the paint flow

The picture emerge

And feel the message

Dara Murphy will do a live painting before your eyes. She has entertained groups of 3000-5000 yet she is delighted to come to a small group at Willowbrook Baptist.

You are invited to join too!

Tuesday, September 22 at 10 am

Contact Information:
Doug Merchant
Minister to Mature Adults
256.883.LIFE, ext. 155
dmerchant@willowbrook.org

Willowbrook Baptist Church

7625 Bailey Cove Road

Huntsville, AL 35802

(256) 883-0907

Art news about: Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists

'Joy will be our goal' at studio

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Huntsville Times

The leap of faith Carole Esk'ridge is taking astounds even her, and she is a woman of unbelievable faith.

At the end of the month, Esk'ridge is leaving the historic Russel Erskine, the former hotel that's now an apartment building for the elderly and disabled, which has been her home for 22 years.

She's selling or giving away her possessions, and the 62-year-old is going to live with a family in Hanceville. There she plans to open the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists for creative types like her who struggle with mental illness: "Joy," she said, "will be our goal."

Esk'ridge said she has a spot in mind for the academy near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and it will be part home, part refuge and part art studio.

"It will be a place where those who can't do certain normal functions can live in hope, surrounded by a loving atmosphere, with healthy food and a clean environment," she said. "A place where the whole person - mind, body, soul and personality - will be cared for with love and desire to understand the needs of each artist.

"It will be a convent, almost, but for lay people."

She's not certain how she'll fund this academy.

"God will provide," she said. "It sounds strange in this day and age, but I believe in God, and I believe He answers prayers.

TO READ MORE OF THIS INFORMATIVE ARTICLE PLEASE VISIT:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/125335178062050.xml&coll=1

Contact Carole Esk'ridge about her efforts and find out how you can be involved at caroleeskridge3@gmail.com or singskt@knology.net

If you would like to support the Academy of Internationally Enabled Artists please send donations made out to "Visionary Guild Grant Fund" Treasurer, Ann Denbo at 2304 Brookside Drive, Decatur, AL 35601.

Monte Sano Art Show TOMORROW

Huntsville will celebrate the arts at the 11th annual outdoor Monte Sano Art Show held atop Monte Sano Mountain Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 160 artists and crafts people from the southeast will exhibit and sell their works. Admission is free. Parking is $4.

Guests will enjoy the original works of art as well as live music, food, an area just for the kids and the wonderful views of the Tennessee Valley! There is something for everyone! In addition to the artists booths, there will be artist demonstrations throughout the day. Russell Everett whose studio is in Roanoke, Alabama will judge this invitational show.

Local artist Debra Simpson conceived the art show. Debra believes the outdoor beauty of Monte Sano in the fall is a perfect place to view excellent art. She remembers one of the first southeastern outdoor shows called "Plum Nellie" held on the border of Tennessee and Georgia near Chattanooga. It became an annual pilgrimage for art enthusiasts. Debra wants a tradition to continue here on Monte Sano. She has sought out key artists from all over the southeast. Debra is an oil painter. Her works have been shown internationally and have won awards at the French-USA competition in portraiture.

This year's featured artists will include Daniel Hessler and Sloane Bibb and this year's emerging artists will include Rachel Lackey and Rachael Gutierrex Horn.

Musicians will perform throughout the day.

Follow the signs on Monte Sano Mt. to enjoy this wonderful event on September 19. For information online, visit www.montesanoartshow.org.

(Excerpts taken from Valley Planet 2003 article and updated for 2009.)

Art News and Praise from Linda Morton

"Radial" by Linda Morton, copyright

The piece I entered in the Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, TX was sold on opening night. This years show featured 143 pieces of art from 95 artists. The 143 pieces were chosen from 968 entries, the 24th Annual Bosque Art Classic juried art show opened Saturday, September 12, at the Bosque Art Center with approximately 240 people attending, 41 participating artists traveled from several states and within Texas to attend the opening night festivities. Unfortunately I could not attend but was ecstatic to learn that my colored pencil painting Radial had been sold. The Lord was smiling down on me and my work I pray that it will continue, but if it doesn't I'll just keep working and giving Him credit.

To view Linda Morton's artwork visit her website at: www.LMortonart.com

Wendy Allison's website added to Ascribing Artists Art Blog links

"and He Bade the Storm be Still" Psalm 107:29 by by Wendy Allison, copyright Acrylic on Canvas, 24 x 36 SOLD

Ascribing Artists is delighted to add Wendy Allison's website to the artists links. Please visit at: www.wendyallisondesigns.com

Watch for Wendy's upcoming featured artist spot on the Ascribing Artists art blog.

Wendy will also be a the Monte Sano Art Show this weekend. Stop by and and tell her Hi!

www.MonteSanoArtShow.org

Amy Crews' website

We are delighted to add Amy Crews' artist link to the Ascribing Artist blog. Please visit her website at www.AmyCrewsGallery.com or her facebook.

We have invited Amy to be a featured artist on the Ascribing Artist blog. Look for her upcoming highlight. She will share her journey of circumstances that lead her to her passion of creating art and ultimately knowing "God is in control".

Angel's Island Coffee House "Call for Artists"

Angel's Island Coffee shop to feature local artists artwork on a monthly rotation.

Owner, Angel Wright notes "We are always looking for new artist for our wall. It is free and we try and feature a new artist every month".

For more info about this great opportunity call (256)319-3424 or visit Angel's Island Coffee website: www.angelsislandcoffee.com

Angel's Island Coffee has been named the best coffee in northeast Alabama in The Times' Readers Choice 2009 Awards. http://blog.al.com/ breaking/2009/09/angels_island_coffee_named_bes.html

Angel's Island Coffee, 7538 S. Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL, angelsislandcoffee@yahoo.com, (256)319-3424 or visit: www.angelsislandcoffee.com

News Article: Athens On the Square

Art to have its day on Athens square

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

By Victoria Cumbow

Times Staff Writer victoria.cumbow@htimes.com

Event set for Saturday (9/12/09) promises lots of choices for visitors to see, buy

Downtown Athens will be bustling with people Saturday as the Duck Run 5K and Art on the Square take over a few blocks.

More than 55 artists will be featured this year during the art event. Diane Lehr, Art on the Square board member, said applicants doubled this year. The board brought in independent art professors to choose which artists will be showcased.

"We hired an independent panel from the region," Lehr said. "They have nothing to do with our board."

She said by doing this, it gives a more varied choice of artists for spectators to see.

The day "is totally dedicated to art," Lehr said. "Everything from painting to throwing clay on the wheel to beaded necklaces."

TO READ MORE OF THIS COPYRIGHT STORY GO TO:

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/limestone.ssf?/base/news/1252487766234030.xml&coll=1

More about Art On the Square: www.AthensArtOnTheSquare.com

Artist Betty Burchfield honored in You Tube Video

Betty Burchfield sent the attached link below. It features her painting of Oksana and the sculpted doll she also created of the concert artist.

From Betty:

Such a marvelous experience getting to know Oksana and her husband, Alex. At first I was so nervous having such a famous concert artist and composer in my home. When I went to the the door, there she stood ...... wearing blue jeans. She and Alex just made themselves at home and we bonded immediately. I made a replica doll of her in this red gown she is wearing.

Just another one of the blessings God has attached to the gifts He has given me.

God bless

Betty Burchfield

"Little Reb"

Road to Light by Oksana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR1aNC8IsBg&feature=channel_page

Athens, AL: Art On The Square Sept. 12

Click on image for larger view or visit: www.aots-athens.com

Click on image for larger view or visit www.aots-athens.com

Funky Friday - Sept. 11, 2009

Featured Artist: S. Renee Prasil

"NCAC Vessel" by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

"Children" Pencil, by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

"David's Table" by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

"Birth of the Blues" Triptych, by S. Renee Prasil, copyright

From fine art to functional art, the talents of S. Renee Prasil have been commissioned for various organizations, businesses, and homes across the United States. Murals, tiles, vessels, sculptures, portraits, landscapes-Renee works in clay, paint, found objects, and more.

Recent highlights-
-20th Anniversary "Relay for Life" poster for the American Cancer Society Huntsville
-'Panoply of the Arts' poster artist
-City of Huntsville's bicenntenial celebration (TAC Rocket)
-"Happy Child"TM vessel creator. In collaboration with local potter, Conrad Lippert, the first two limited edition (2005,2006) profits were donated to the National Children's Advocacy Center (NCAC).
-'Casual for a Cause' designer (United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville) 2006/2007
-Sculpture Wall design (United Cerebral Palsy Hsv Admin Bldg). This work, of clay and glazes, is in collaboration with the clients of UCP under her guidance.

Renee has received awards and acknowledgements locally and regionally for her art in paint and in clay. Most recently, some of her work toured the state of Alabama and exhibited at the State Capitol. Alabama Governor Bob Riley has one of her clay pieces, "King Cotton and Butterfly Queen", which exhibited at HAL's "Unique Views of Huntsville III" (Huntsville Museum of Art 2007).

She shares her art as both a professional artist and as an arts educator. Other accomplishments:
-began the Art Ministry at Whitesburg Baptist Church (WBC) in 2001 with Debbie Milner, Recreation Minister
-developed and began the popular Hampton Cove Elementary "Cove Art League'.
-develops original teaching plan/projects for adults and children with challenges as a Teaching Artist with VSArts of Alabama (Birmingham)

Renee hopes to always continue learning about art and is excited to share her knowledge and experience with others as an arts instructor with
-the Huntsville Museum of Art
-the Huntsville Art League (HAL)
-WBC R.O.C.
-UCP
-ARC
-VSA Arts of Alabama
-Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, AL
-and others

She also offers private and semi-private classes and pARTies to encourage others interested in art.

Renee is a true "synesthete", a condition which allows her to experience other senses in a 'visual' manner. "I am visually oriented: I feel in color. This passion for art is a gift which continues to drive my life, and I am forever grateful. The individuals that art has brought me into contact with-fellow artists, collectors, students-have greatly enriched my life. It is the 'richness of existence', the joy from the simple, everyday things, that I wish to share through my art".

Often hidden information is included in her pieces. Since the late 1990's, the initials "TYG" are found in her art. People who have noticed these letters have sometimes assumed they represent a collaborating artist. They are correct, in a way. As a 'natural' artist (she decries the term 'self-taught'), she believes that "talent is a gift from God". "TYG" is her acknowledgement (as well as her personal reminder!)-'Thank You, God' and "To Your Glory'.

Asked what Renee's favorite verse was and why she responded with:

The verse "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; " Colossians 3:23 KJV is the verse that I took as 'mine' after acknowledging that my talents are a gift from God and not the result of 'my endeavors' alone. This is also when I began adding the initials "TYG" to the art. It is also the verse I currently use at work, (Whitesburg Baptist Church) as an integral part of my signature.

Side note: My initial 'paraphrase' of this verse or 'Internalization" of it, was "And whatsoever you do with your hands, do it heartily, as if to God and not to men…”. I now read it with emphasis on the ‘whatsoever’-meaning more than just what I do with my hands-“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord”, etc. And I am but a weak and puny human, and fall all too short of this reach more often than not. Which is one of the reasons why it is a ‘good thing’ to have a ‘signature verse’ for daily living-it is there as a reminder for ME more than as an encouragement for others!

Contact info-

Art and Info website will be available soon- www.SReneePrasil.com.
Renee currently shows and sells artwork through the Huntsville Art League and Zazzy's/InteriorMarketPlace. She may also be contacted directly at 256-533-7329.